GREENWOOD, Miss. -- In front of a packed house Saturday afternoon, the Mississippi Valley State women's basketball rose to the occasion.

The Devilettes defeated rival Jackson State, 74-71, at the Leflore County Civic Center to capture its first conference victory of the season. Five of Valley's eight players scored in double figures to lead the Devilettes past the Lady Tigers in front of a near capacity crowd.

MVSU's Christina Reed pulled off her third double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds to go with a pair of blocks. Meanwhile, Kadesha Floyd led Valley with a career-high 15 points off the bench. Floyd dominated from long range, converting 4-of-9 three point attempts.

MVSU (3-16, 1-7 SWAC) controlled JSU through the first half, leading by as much as 14 points. However, the Lady Tigers cut the lead to 35-29 at halftime following a 8-0 run to close out the first half.

JSU tied the game at 71 with a layup by Bridget Robinson but a pair of free throws by Valley's Taylor Green was enough to send the Devilettes to the locker room in good spirits. The Lady Tigers had one last chance but Dominique Brothern's last second halfcourt three-point heave only grazed the front of the rim as time expired. 

MVSU's Green chipped in 12 points while  Ashley Beals and Ashanti Weathers added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Both Beals and Weathers also had eight rebounds.

Ayanna Hardy-Fuller paced JSU with 13 points and eight rebounds.

MVSU will be back on the court Monday night at Grambling State. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.